Modem mode on Android allows you to distribute mobile data to other devices, but sometimes it turns on spontaneously or people forget to turn it off. This leads to rapid battery drain, overheating of the smartphone and unnecessary traffic consumption. In some cases, the device may “freeze” in modem mode, especially after failures in the firmware or conflicts with applications.

In this article we will look at all the ways to disable modem mode - from standard settings to hidden commands for experienced users. We will separately consider problems with USB modem, when the smartphone is not detected as a drive, and situations when the shutdown button in the menu is inactive. All instructions are relevant for Android 10–14 on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and other brands.

If you are faced with the fact that the modem mode turns on by itself, the cause may be virus software, an error in the APN settings, or a conflict with network management applications. At the end of the article there is an FAQ with answers to typical questions, including problems with RNDIS (network protocol for a USB modem) and operator restrictions.

📊 How often do you use the modem mode on your smartphone?
Daily
Several times a day week
Nearby
Never

1. Standard shutdown via the notification panel

The fastest way to turn off tethering mode is to use Notification panel. It works on all smartphones, regardless of the version Android or the manufacturer's shell.

Swipe your finger from top to bottom to open the notification curtain. Find the icon "Access point" or "Modem mode"** (it may look like two arrows pointing in different directions, or like an antenna with connected devices). Tap on it once - if the icon is highlighted, the mode is active and will be disabled.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) the icon may be hidden behind the button ... or Additional. If it is not in the main panel, swipe down again to expand all notifications, or use the search in settings (more on this in the next section).

  • 🔍 If the icon is gray and inactive —tethering mode is already turned off.
  • 🔄 If after pressing nothing happens —try holding icon 1–2 seconds to open the quick settings menu.
  • ⚡ On Xiaomi i Redmi sometimes you need to swipe left/right on the panel to find the desired switch.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme), the shutdown via the notification panel is reset after a reboot. In this case, use the method from section 2.

2. Disabling through Android settings

If the notification panel does not help or you prefer a more reliable method, go to the main settings of your smartphone. The path may differ slightly depending on the shell, but the general logic remains the same:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to section Network and Internet (or Connections on Samsung).
  3. Select Access point and modem (on some devices - Modem mode or Mobile hotspot).
  4. Disable the switch next to Wi-Fi hotspot or USB modem.

On Xiaomi i POCO the path may look like this: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point.

On Honor i Huawei — Settings → Mobile network → Access point.

If the switch is inactive or after disconnecting the modem mode turns on again, check:

  • 📱 Automatic turn on —some firmwares (for example, MIUI) have an option Auto-start when connecting USB. Disable it.
  • 🔗 Third-party applications —apps like PdaNet+ or ClockworkMod Tether can block standard settings.
  • 🔄 Reset network settings —if the problem persists, try resetting the mobile network settings in Settings → System → Reset.

Are all connected devices disconnected from your access point?

Are applications that use the modem closed (for example, Zoom or TeamViewer)?

Is your mobile data balance checked (some operators block disconnection when the balance is zero)?

Have you reset the network settings if the mode turns on spontaneously?

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3. USB modem: why the smartphone is not detected as a drive

If you connected the smartphone to the computer via USB, but instead of the file transfer mode (MTP) activated USB modem (RNDIS), the problem may be in the connection settings or drivers. Here's how to fix it:

First, unplug the cable and follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
  2. Find the section USB modem and disable it.
  3. Connect the USB cable again.
  4. In the notification shade, tap on the notification USB charging and select File transfer (MTP).

If the smartphone is still detected as a modem:

  • 🖥️ On PC: uninstall the driver RNDIS in Device Manager (section Network adapters) and reconnect the phone.
  • 📲 On Android: enable USB debugging to Settings → For developers (if the section is hidden, tap 7 times on Build number to About the phone).
  • 🔧 Resetting USB settings helps: on some devices (for example, Samsung), resetting to Settings → Device maintenance → Diagnostics.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ Google has limited work RNDIS for security. If the USB modem does not turn off, check whether the phone has root permissions (root) or custom firmware - they can block standard settings.
Problem Possible reason Solution
The USB modem turns on itself Automatic configuration in the firmware Disable USB auto-connection in the modem settings
Phone is not detected as a drive Driver conflict RNDIS/MTP Remove the driver on the PC and reconnect the device
Modem switch is inactive Operator restriction or virus Check for viruses or reset APN
Modem mode turns on after reboot Failure in network settings Reset network settings or update Software

4. Hidden commands to disable the modem (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not work, you can use engineering menu or ADB commands. These methods are suitable for users who are ready to work with technical settings.

First try USSD code (does not work on all devices): 

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone information and scroll down to the block Wi-Fi Hotspot. Here you can forcefully disable the access point, even if the switch in the settings is locked.

If the USSD code did not work, use ADB (required USB debugging):

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
  2. Enter: 
    adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

    This command disables forced modem mode for some operators.

  3. To completely reset the modem: 
    adb shell svc wifi disable

    adb shell svc usb setFunctions none

On devices With Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, OnePlus, Xiaomi with 800 series processors), the command adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGScan help, which closes all system dialogs, including frozen modem windows.

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

If the command adb devices returns an empty list, check:

1. Is USB debugging enabled in the developer settings.

2. Are drivers installed Google USB Driver or OEM drivers (for example, Samsung USB Driver).

3. Is the connection blocked by an antivirus or firewall on the PC.

If the problem persists, try another USB cable (preferably original).

5. Modem mode turns on itself: reasons and solutions

If the smartphone constantly switches to modem mode without your participation, the reasons may be the following:

  • 🤖 Virus software: some Trojans (for example, Android.Triada) change the network settings. Check. phone using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.
  • 📡 APN settings: Operators sometimes specify in the APN configuration to automatically turn on the modem. Check the settings in Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
  • 🔄 Firmware failure: after the update Android network parameters may be lost. Try resetting the network settings or rolling back to the previous version of the software.
  • 📱 Applications for Internet distribution: apps like FoxFi or NetShare may conflict with a standard modem. Remove them.

To diagnose the problem:

  1. Start the phone in Safe Mode (hold the power off button → Safe Mode). If the modem does not turn on, a third-party application is to blame.
  2. Check call log for unknown USSD commands (for example, *99#), which can activate modem.
  3. Update firmware - in new versions Android bugs with the modem turning on spontaneously are often corrected.
💡

If modem mode turns on when connected to charging, check the settings USB configuration in Settings → System → For developers. Disable the option Select USB configuration or set the value Only charging.

6. Hard reset: extreme measures

If none of the methods helped, it remains reset to factory settings. This will delete all data from the device, so make a backup copy first.

Reset instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset (to Samsung: Device maintenance → Reset).
  2. Select Reset settings or Reset all data.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If the smartphone is stuck in mode modem and does not respond to presses:

  • 🔋 Forced reboot: hold the power + volume down button for 10-15 seconds.
  • 🔧 Mode Recovery: hold the power + volume up button, select in the menu Wipe data/factory reset.
  • 📱 Firmware via PC: for Samsung use Odin, for Xiaomi — Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Google Pixel) reset via Recovery may require you to enter your account password Googleeven if you do not remember it. In this case, you will need official unlocking through the service center.

7. Operator restrictions: why the modem does not turn off

Some mobile operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) block the modem mode from being turned off if:

  • The service "Internet for devices"** or similar is active.
  • The account has a negative balance (debt for the Internet).
  • A tariff with unlimited distribution is connected Internet.

To unblock the shutdown:

  1. Call the operator and ask to disable the Internet distribution service.
  2. Check the balance and top up your account if there is a debt.
  3. Disable the option Internet distribution in your personal account on the operator’s website.

On Android 13+ operators can use eSIM profiles with strict restrictions. In this case, even resetting the settings will not help - you will need to replace the SIM card or change the tariff.

💡

If the operator blocks the modem from being turned off, the only reliable way is to physically remove the SIM card or switch to Airplane mode.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about modem mode on Android

Is it possible disable modem mode forever?

Yes, but it depends on the firmware. On stock Android you can disable the service Tethering via ADB: 

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.tethering

On custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) this service can be removed completely. However, after updating the software, the settings will be reset.

Why does the Internet on the phone disappear after turning off the modem?

This is due to a failure in the settings APN. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) and select your operator's profile. If it is not in the list, create a new one manually (the parameters can be found on the operator’s website).

Also check if the option is activated Only 2G/3G —some operators block the Internet in modem mode for outdated ones networks.

How can I find out who is connected to my access point?

Open Settings → Access point and modem → Wi-Fi access point. Here there will be a list of connected devices indicating their MAC addresses and IP.

On Samsung you can see the traffic consumption for each device. If you detect an unknown connection, change the password of the access point or disable it.

What to do if tethering mode turns on at night?

Most likely, a scheduled task or application is to blame. Check:

  • Section Settings → Applications → Autorun (disable suspicious apps).
  • Settings Adaptive battery - sometimes Android it turns on the modem for “optimization” communication.
  • Presence Tasker or other automatic scripts.

If the problem persists, install an application MacroDroid to track triggers.

Is it possible to distribute the Internet via Bluetooth without turning on modem mode?

Yes, but it is less stable. Turn on Bluetooth modem to Settings → Access point and modem → Bluetooth modem. The speed will be lower than over Wi-Fi, but battery consumption will be reduced.

On Android 12+ The Bluetooth modem does not require a connection to mobile network - you can distribute the Internet even with mobile traffic turned off (if connected to Wi-Fi).